章 345: Chapter 345: ABC TV Station is Established
Hardy's motorcade arrived in Shinjuku. Duncan opened the door for Hardy, and the security personnel followed closely behind.
In the aftermath of the Tokyo bombing, the once-bustling area had been reduced to vacant land and a few wooden houses. The high-rise buildings were mostly gone.
"Have we secured the property rights here?" Hardy inquired.
"Yes, we've acquired everything for over $1 million. The area covers more than 800 acres across four streets and is just 300 meters from the subway exit. It's a prime location," Duncan explained.
"The property is registered under a company based in the Cayman Islands," Duncan added.
Hardy noted that Kabukicho street in Shinjuku would soon be completely transformed. The new development would be larger, better planned, and more open than its predecessor.
Hardy Entertainment would spearhead Japan's future entertainment industry, with operations registered in the Cayman Islands, focusing on the Japanese market. Every major city in Japan would eventually feature one or more red-light districts, becoming lucrative centers of entertainment.
Plans included nightclubs, bars, custom shops, love hotels, baths, massage parlors, and other leisure facilities. Hardy also intended to introduce slot machines and billiard rooms, popular in later generations.
While initial profits might be modest, capturing the market early was key.
The convoy continued through downtown Tokyo. Tokyo, the largest city in Japan, would see further expansion of red-light districts beyond just Kabukicho.
The convoy reached Chiyoda District, the core of Japan's political and administrative power. It housed the Imperial Palace, the Prime Minister's residence, and numerous government departments. The area was both prosperous and prestigious.
The convoy stopped on a relatively deserted highway. The site was formerly a large military university, shut down after World War II by MacArthur, who also banned military education in Japan. Hardy agreed with this decision.
The now-abandoned university grounds, spanning over 1,200 acres, had been purchased by Hardy Entertainment. The plan was to convert it into a high-end red-light district catering to affluent clients. The services and facilities would be top-tier.
The convoy circled the university and proceeded down the road. As they drove a short distance, Hardy noticed a temple-like building with a plaque reading 'Jingguo Shrine.'
This site was destined to become Japan's largest red-light district, brimming with entertainment. Tokyo was set to feature red-light districts in five areas: Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Minato.
Each district would cater to different demographics. Chiyoda and Chuo would focus on upscale clientele, Shinjuku and Shibuya on general entertainment, and Minato on American soldiers.
Although there were currently places for American soldiers arranged by the Japanese government, the quality was lacking. Hardy's red-light districts would offer superior entertainment, including girls, gambling, and other activities.
In addition to Tokyo, Hardy planned large-scale red-light districts near all US military bases across Japan. Major cities like Osaka and Kyoto would each feature two to three districts, divided by grade and purpose, including hot springs.
Smaller cities would also have their own red-light districts. By next year, Japan would be vibrant with red-light entertainment.
The Japanese men's entertainment business was set to flourish.
Hardy was also preparing to launch an ABC TV station in Japan. Prior to this, Japan had a radio station established in 1925, which was now under US military control, used for propaganda and news.
Hardy contacted Shigeru Yoshida and the Minister of Education to discuss the TV station. They visited Hardy's apartment, where Hardy expressed his concerns about Japan's broadcasting laws.
"According to Japanese law, broadcasting rights are exclusively held by the government, which I find unreasonable," Hardy stated. "In the United States, all TV stations are private, which promotes cultural dissemination and accurate reporting."
Both Yoshida and the Minister of Education were aware of Hardy's media empire in the US and the large television network he owned.
"I believe Japan should follow the US model in the cultural sector. This will ensure the neutrality and authenticity of broadcast programs and protect freedom of speech," Hardy continued.
While Hardy didn't fully believe his own rhetoric, he had the authority as a special economic and cultural envoy to influence such matters. The Japanese government had to comply with his recommendations.
A few days later, the Japanese government issued a decree allowing private operations for radio and TV stations. This move aimed to enhance broadcast penetration, ensure program neutrality and accuracy, and protect freedom of speech.
The decree granted licenses to private broadcasters. Just three days after the decree, ABC Broadcasting Corporation officially received its license, becoming Japan's first private radio and TV company.
A freighter from the west coast of the United States arrived in Japan, bringing a large shipment of radio and TV equipment. A 21-story building in Tokyo was purchased to serve as the broadcasting headquarters.
Simultaneously, Hardy acquired a radio tower to install signals and planned to build additional TV towers in other cities, creating a comprehensive TV network across Japan.
Hardy also imported a shipload of MEBO TVs from the US for sale in Japan. Collaborating with Toshiba, Panasonic, and Sharp, Hardy Group had set up TV production lines, though production facilities were still under construction.
A MEBO TV set was priced at $127, a significant expense for the average Japanese worker earning around $30 a month.
To promote ABC TV, Hardy decided to give away TVs rather than sell them. The initiative aimed to enhance cultural engagement.
Each of the seven major consortia would distribute a few TVs to factory areas, allowing workers to watch programs in company canteens and common areas. TV sets were also placed in urban streets, squares, and parks, broadcasting programs from newsstands.
Within a short time, 1,000 TVs were distributed.
On December 5, despite the cold weather, people gathered around vacant lots and newsstands, eagerly awaiting the inaugural broadcast of ABC TV.
A loud jingle announced the start of ABC TV Nippon Broadcasting. The screen displayed the station's logo, followed by a message in Japanese:
"ABC TV Nippon Broadcasting officially begins today. Enjoy our first show featuring a performance by Miss Marilyn Monroe, the most beautiful and renowned Hollywood star."
Marilyn Monroe appeared on screen, dressed in a low-cut evening gown, radiating charm. Despite many Japanese viewers not understanding English, they were captivated by Monroe's performance.
With Monroe's appearance, many Japanese were likely to become her loyal fans. Her debut on Japanese TV marked a memorable milestone.
The broadcast continued with introductions to the United States, showcasing Manhattan's skyscrapers, bustling highways, and luxurious shopping centers. Scenes from Las Vegas featured grand casinos, and Hollywood's glamorous Sunset Boulevard was highlighted.
The segment included President Johnson's inauguration speech, with Japanese translation provided. For many Japanese, this was their first glimpse of an American president, evoking respect rather than resentment.
The programming served to promote the United States, aiming to foster admiration and acceptance among Japanese viewers.
Not only ordinary Japanese but also prominent figures like Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and the Emperor of Japan were watching. The impact of television proved to be far more influential than radio.
Many Japanese were left in awe of the American lifestyle depicted on TV, feeling a mix of admiration and apprehension.
That night, despite the cold, people stayed outside to watch the broadcast. Even commercials were eagerly watched, reflecting the growing fascination with television.
A few days later, Wells Fargo Bank introduced a TV loan program, allowing people to purchase TVs and watch ABC programs by providing proof of income.
The allure of TV programs had captivated many, leading some to endure financial strain for the sake of owning a TV. It marked a significant step in consumerism, as people fell into the capitalist trap of enjoying modern conveniences.
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